Chic Chevron: Coffee Table from scratch

Step 1: get some wood from an old wood pile:

 

Step 2: Begin to make some 45 degree cuts.

 Step 3: Attach the pieces

Okay well that's not your step-by-step how to, obviously; but, I thought it might be nice to include a few photos from along the way.  I went one Saturday to pick up some wood from a local cinematographer who had at one point refinished his gate.  I very lady-like picked out a few boards that I found a bit of life still in and loaded 'em up.  This project took a few curve ball turns.  I originally had a whole different vision in mind, that gradually took on a different face at every step.  I was pretty thrilled to get to use a miter saw, particularly because it made the cuts so quickly and with such precision.  The problem I continued to run into, and will continue to if I persist to use discarded materials, is the boards were 1. old 2. warped 3. varying sizes and depths.
This as you may assume can create a few problems when you are wanting some fluidity and smoothness to your pieces.  I also came across the trouble of needing the table to be sturdy.  I rebutted with the thought that I am not making furniture for people to stand on and dance upon (though I wouldn't be fully opposed).  I failed to recognize the naturalness to sitting on the ledge of a coffee table while chatting with someone on the couch.  Needless to say, I wanted my project to withstand a decent about of wear and tear.  And withstand it she does!
I tried to create some legs that could portray a bit of modernity and simplicity to offset the detail and interest of the top.  When all put together, while very modern, it was a tad too short for my liking.
So I screwed on some hefty casterwheels which complement her whole image quite nicely.

I am consistently surprised at how varied my responses are to these projects as they develop.  How often I am thrilled and inspired, and at many times frustrated and in disgust, only to consistently see a thread of potential and hope. Their finished projects rarely disappoint.
So many alterations and adjustments, hours of sanding and refining. What glory to behold a beauty that could never have been realized without the vision and labor of another.  Again, I am in awe.

Vintage Chic Dresser

Before:

 After:

This dresser sat on my porch for months longer than necessary.  Made of real wood, all her parts were heavier than they ever appeared to be.  I spent months avoiding her because of a good deal of structural issues she posed.  Finally, it became time to man up and do something.  Either I get rid of her as is or I do something with her.  It is not often that I would simply give up on a project, not that easily at least.  So I did a bit of surgery and gave her a few coats of a face lift, added some flare of sassy glass knobs, and rescrewed those little ivory-esque key holes back on her and she was ready to head back into the world, a confident (abeit heavy) lady.
I'm thrilled to have given her that second chance. Go get em'.

Country Cottage Beach Dresser

 Before:

After:

I was quite pleased by how this little one came out.  When I went to pick this dresser up, I noticed some vintage remnants of her original color and became quickly fond of the light blue and cream combo.  I searched around my paint options and while none of them actually was the true color, I began doing a little kindergarten paint mixing to try and match the color as best as possible.  While not often functioning, keyholes are a favorite feature of mine in a dresser.  I also loved the simple trim around the bottom 2 drawers that adds a dainty extra touch to her face.

Industrial Entry: McKendry Manor

Step 1: build the pipe frame

Step 2: Pick out wood and attach

A whole new world has been awakened.  My boss wrote me about 3 months ago and prompted an opportunity to build a new entry table for them.  He sent a few ideas from Restoration Hardware.  You can imagine the lust I possess over some of their pieces of furniture.  I think I laughed and verbally commented "I only wish I had the tools and space to build pieces like that."  I paused for a moment and thought, ' BUT MAYBE.'  And what if our boundaries were expanded and supported in such a manner that we could respond with motivation in the challenge.  This wasn't your common challenge, this lit a fire within me, ideas swimming, face fit with giddy grin.  I could barely focus on all the to-do's already on my plate, but this, THIS I wanted to think upon, I wanted to dream, I wanted to create, to build, to form.
I found a few ideas and we sketched out a plan together to better fit what he was wanting.  Then started the research.  I made a few trips to ol' Home Depot to 'play with pipes.' Measuring, adjusting, resketching.  Then, I found myself a new piping friend.  I got some old pluming pipes, a box full of components and took them home to fit the puzzle together.  I considered myself a strong "Jane of all trades," but these pipes dominated me.  My perfectionistic side wanted to screw them together in such a way that the threads would be hidden, which is nearly impossible especially without some serious wrenches and clamps.
Then, I headed out to a dear friend's family 'lumberyard' which is just simply a cozy haven of heaven.  Smell of fresh lumber, and piles upon piles of possibility.  You'd think I was a cooped up kid on a playground.  I picked out my slabs, was assisted using some Capital S, Serious tools to plane and join.  Loaded up and shipped back home.  Went through a handful of options for the coloring, wanting it to be perfect; test strip upon test strip.  Finally came up with a combo of steeped black tea, and a vinegar/steel wool combination.
Many measurements and clamping later, I attached the wood and began to work on rusting the legs and attaching the caster wheels.  I waited around for a new clear wax to seal it off and was squealing over the change in really smoothing out the confines of the wood.  I inevitably always find favorite little pockets of unique quirks abnormalities in every piece.  This one had a particular knot that I am sincerely fond of.  In cutting this piece of wood, my original measurements would have cut it either down the middle (trouble) or off completely.  I saw no other choice than to just extend my measurements to include that little seedling of a branch.  The coloring on it is such an array of warmth and intricate detail. I'm in love with the imperfections.

What a sweet labor of love. What a joy to create. To make something from nothing. I'm so accustomed to fixing the already broken and discarded.  This was a whole new testimony to designing with care and vision.  So many lessons seemed to awaited discovery for me in this and what a delight to see fruit from mine own simple two hands and feeble eager mind.

Chic Cottage Bedside Table

Before:

After:

Finished this sweet little bedside table just last week.  I am ever so fond of her details. I tried my hand at using some crackle but had been warned to use sporadically rather than covering her whole surface so as to give her a sincere worn look.  Anthropologie little knobs and boisterous curvy little legs I cant get enough of.  She must be a separated twin of an ancient vanity in her structural bodice.  I found her at a friend's house as they were packing up years of her grandmother's saved and stored treasures.  Amidst the big 3 piece, ornate, and I'm sure wickedly valuable, I had my little eye on her and knew some soft greys and whites would do her good.

Visit the shop:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/111270823/chic-cottage-grey-bedside-table?ref=af_shop_favitem

Reclaimed Re"loved" Wooden Entry Table

Oh man, its been awhile since I built a piece from scrap...and here she is. You can see some of the progression.  I bucked up and dumpster dove not once but twice to find the perfect pieces for a unique entry table.  I actually went back to get more because I decided, as often happens, that if I like it I will want one for myself.  I typically forget how much math and time goes into these projects.  But using power tools and figuring out ways to piece it together (weathered, warped and all) is always a task of delight.  There were 2 final products; one residing in the Denver Counseling & Coaching and the other behind my couch!  My favorite is seeing which piece of wood strike different people.  If you happened upon my porch (professional workspace) I'd have asked you which you favored.  Each has such individual character and quirks!

Grandpa's Grizzly Bear found his way to Steamboat

Finished a little mountain bear for the Steamboat cabin. grrrr.